When you visit a home as a guest, a tourist, or even a potential buyer, the first thing you see is the outside. The exterior of a home can speak volumes about what is contained within and about what is important to the home’s inhabitants as well. In a residential area of Palakkad, Kerala in southern India, we find a stunning exterior that certainly tells a major story. The home, known as The Skewed House, is from the team at LIJO.RENY.architects . Its exterior design looks as if mismatched boxes were simply stacked on top of each other precariously from some angles. From another perspective, however, it is easy to see how this creative shape could be interpreted as a modern, man made answer to the town’s surrounding mountains, as a statement about man and nature, and as a testament to how man can indeed shape his surroundings with the right materials and some tenacity.
When you are able to look past the unique shape of the home, you can see how those shapes interact with one another, and with the home’s 4650 square foot (431 square meter) interior. Light emanates from within in bold streaks and subtle slivers, keeping the home private but also a bit welcoming.
Once inside, simplicity takes over. Although elegant details like vaulted ceilings and sumptuous furniture create a space to be reckoned with, the a calming white palette and low, clean lines are ultimately easy to experience. This minimalism is not necessarily what you might expect from the way in which the exterior seems to shout.
The home’s central staircase is an interesting design focal point. Encased in glass and made from bent steel plates, it stands as an industrial inspiration in this otherwise contemporary minimalist design. While the steel itself has the echoes of a warehouse or loft, its delicate thickness could easily be a nod to the act of human flight itself – light, airy steel, seemingly a juxtaposition but suddenly aloft.
The modern style dining chairs you see here are Panton S by Verner Panton.
The yellow accent continues with the gorgeous decorative vases .
The upstairs bedrooms have their own personality, with slit windows that cause the outdoor lighting effects and provide circulation. Overhead grated skylights are more than just vents, though, giving a beautiful openness to the rooms.
Literature can provide great inspiration for interior design. A favorite passage from a book can provide inspiration for a color scheme, decorative choices, or even the mood of a space. Looking at selected designs from the portfolio of Fantasia Interior , we found inspiration on our own bookshelves, matching literary works to several spaces. The minute we saw the photos, we though of these titles.
As the designer writes in its description of the space “Sense is stable. Sensibility is volatile.” Like Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility, this apartment combines the best of both worlds. Calming neutrals receive new life with pops of pattern from a textured throw pillow on the armchair and a houndstooth pillow on the sofa.
Wide ranges of materials (cold marble, warm wood, and soft leather) stack to create layers to the space, infusing contemporary architecture’s sense with sensibility.
The kitchen and dining area, while minimalist in style and completely functional, also have a touch of whimsy, as evidenced by the storage lighting, soft window treatments along the wall, and touches of luxurious marble as a divider to the two rooms.
Above both the kitchen bar and the dining area, you’ll find striking light fixtures that cast a soft glow over their chosen spaces. With lots of clean lines and angles, the choice of soft colors and warm lighting makes it feel smart, cozy, and sophisticated.
The marble in the kitchen can also be found along the back wall of the living area, serving as a luxe anchor for the TV. A mirrored ceiling adds space and creates a sense of height.
Stable and rhythmic vertical lines create a great contrast with the geometric design of the floor. In the enlarged foyer, you’ll find a stainless steel mirror that reflects the warm sunlight into the open space.
In one bedroom, form plays with function with ample storage above the bed, a unique swiveling TV, and plenty of light thrown by the large windows.
In another bedroom, an en-suite desk provides a comfortable workspace while open shelving lies awaiting treasures for curation. It’s the light cast through the structured shades, however, that may be the most unique piece. Softness is lent by textured textiles.
The striking grey color palette of this next design had us thinking of the famous erotic novel. Like the title character, Christian Grey, this space feels sophisticated, steely and masculine, but with a softer side beneath. The old and the new, the classic and the modern, blend together seamlessly throughout the living room. For example, the TV is surrounded by an exquisite mantelpiece, making the art of enjoying a favorite show or movie feel even more decadent. Along the wall, floor to ceiling windows let in plenty of light over the contemporary furnishings. It’s the striking molding and architectural details, though, that make this space a stunner.
Like a shock to the senses and an exploration of all things sensual, the room is anchored by keep design elements that are very reflective of masculine and feminine energy. In the foyer, a light green pear sculpture adds a pop of color and curves to an otherwise clean and angled space. Feminine dining chairs in a curvaceous shape are paired perfectly with rich wood. Warm lighting and shiny metallic fixtures play and make the room sparkle.
In the bedroom, striking marble plays a playful part in the 50 shades motif, rounding out the neo-classical details found throughout the space. Pure sophistication at its finest.
The glitter of treasure, the polished wood of a ship, the sense of potential and adventure - it can all be found in a way within this apartment. The wooden floor is paneled and has an oiled finish, much like a ship. A unique feature of the space is imported degradable recycled wallpaper. The specially designed television cabinet is used to separate the working area of the study and the living room, allowing light to flow freely.
According to the designer, a beveled triangular area comes into view when entering the room. This space is designed to serve three main functions, ensuring maximum capacity. They write,“The first is the cloakroom; vintage rustic metal and tile are paired with light color pebbles, the contrast of light and dark colors creates a contemporary vibe. Entering the dining area it transforms into a German Dual Zone Wine Cellar, becoming a compact mini bar when equipped with wine glass rack.” The final purpose of the space is for storage.
A clear glass panel separates the foyer’s sitting area from the rest of the house.
In the open dining area, the space is configured with L-shaped cooking area, making it easy to move around in.
But the real stunner, and treasure of the house, is the chandelier. The anchor of the room is a double layer Swarovski chandelier custom-ordered by the designer for the hostess The center island showcases an expandable design allowing for entertaining even with limited space.
In the bedroom, the bed is anchored by a stunning photo of two sailboats. One could imagine falling asleep listening to waves and dreaming of sea spray.
The other bedroom calls to mind Captain Silver, with plenty of silver tones in the room’s textiles. There’s softness with the feathers patterned in the wallpaper, quilted headboard, and plush rug.
Finally, in this space, one feels like they are below deck in a luxurious cabin. The window might as well be a porthole on the ship, sailing on to another adventure.
: While this apartment may not have a 1920’s or art deco theme, it does capture the luxury and style one might find in Gatsby’s home. We open on the living room, showcasing a neo-classical style brought up to date with contemporary furniture and luxe detailing. Rich wood creates built-in shelving along the back wall, forming a bookcase. The table on the back of the sofa doubles as a workspace. One could imagine sitting here and writing the next American novel, like Nick in the story writing his tales of Gatsby, or F. Scott Fitzgerald himself.
Polished wood, touches of crystal, leather, and gilded furnishings suggest real style. This space doesn’t just look beautiful - it feels indulgent. Artwork fills the space, lending color.
Throughout the entire space, one can appreciate the stunning molding and architectural detailing. It is bold, sophisticated.The light fixture over dining table shines in a brilliant gold while polished leather chairs invite you to sit down, stay awhile, and enjoy a glass of champagne.
Throughout the entire space, one can appreciate the stunning molding and architectural detailing. It is bold, sophisticated.The light fixture over dining table shines in a brilliant gold while polished leather chairs invite you to sit down, stay awhile, and enjoy a glass of champagne.
It’s the bedroom, however, that’s all Daisy. It’s pretty, whimsical, and romantic. It’s love, incarnate, in a bedroom. This is the way that Gatsby sees Daisy. The promise of happiness, the sparkle of laughter, stunning beauty - all captured here.
Dark isn’t the first theme that comes to mind when designing a kitchen. Stereotypical assumptions are of white and bright kitchens matched by light wood—something like the color of breakfast pancakes. Have you ever thought otherwise? Perhaps something like a modern dark kitchen?
We’ve got a collection of stunning spaces sure to switch up your vision. This black kitchen design inspiration is the sexiest interior design can muster. All divulging in shades of black, navy, or dark brown, they add what white kitchens cannot—a seductive allure that says sleekness and sophistication at the same time. Take a peek at some brilliant interiors on the darker side to see if a modern luxury black kitchen could be for you.
Modern Dark Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
1. Make it an All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Design At Sketch
Almost completely covered in black, a few minor elements shine in chrome and wood in this kitchen interior. We love how the textures do the talking, especially through the matte table under black wood-panelled walls. But having an open approach like this means that every one of your accessories on display—including knives, wine glasses, mugs, cutting boards, teapots, cookie jars, etc.—need to be on point.
2. Add Wooden Elements
Visualizer:Bogdan Tovstyy
This black beauty edges towards wooden elements. We see a speckled floor, a white wall, and a central bench. Rounded black lamps hover over the island, providing functionality and style. If you’re wondering how visual intrigue is added to this modern black kitchen… a huge credit goes to the abstract art!
3. Complement the Black Kitchen with Orange
Source:Vancouver House
A bit of curve rounds out the hard edges—adding some much-needed warmth. This wave-design bench leads up to an orange-hued enclave in this black-and-silver interior. The burnt orange sure makes a design statement (apart from the unique central island).
4. Keep Your Dark Modern Kitchen Simple
Visualizer:Panda Fox Studios
A simplistic look makes this black kitchen a winner. We see the basics: a light floor, a black minimalist island, and sleek cabinetry. But the contrast between light and dark keeps the ambiance interesting, while the large window welcomes plenty of natural light.
5. Make it Dark… Or Not?
Visualizer:Who Cares Design
If you’re eyeing a dark kitchen aesthetic but are hesitant to make the change, this is it. Introducing more light, this black kitchen is hardly dark at all. Black benches, cabinetry, fixtures and stools are intersected by large-panel windows, a white shelving stand and light flooring.
6. Make Use of Asymmetry in the Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Visual Method
This modern black kitchen takes another angle on this kaleidoscopic space, breaking all spatial boundaries. Black and glass alternate in this chic kitchen as the interesting ceiling design keeps the space unconventional. We’ve also got to appreciate the cherry blossoms, doubling as decor even within the interior.
7. Factor in Some Warmth
Source:Modulnova
This warmer-looking kitchen makes a move to brown. It strategically achieves the purpose with the use of wood. This not only introduces natural textures but also makes the ambiance inviting. Talk about a modern style that’s equal parts welcoming!
8. Place a White Island in a Black Modern Kitchen
Visualizer:Jean Regauer
An instant way to brighten up a dark kitchen (we mean, get the best of both worlds)? This kitchen space shows us how by using a white island on a black floor. The backsplash further enhances this dark-and-light effect, while the cowhide rug adds just the right amount of coziness.
9. Make Marble Your Best Friend
Architect:Chamberlain Javens Architects
If you’re looking to create a modern luxury black kitchen, you know what you’ve got to do: Go big on marble! This natural stone adds the luxe factor to any space, especially as a large, central island, as seen in the kitchen above. You can also add it through the backsplash.
10. Make it Mysterious
Visualizer:Tomek Michalski
You can double the visual intrigue in your all black kitchen by adding some mystery. In this kitchen, mood-lighting sets the scene in black and grey, while a marbled bench acts as the hero. The back inlet and flooring create contrast and depth. Taken together, these elements make the space an interesting one.
11. Layer Gray and Gold
Visualizer:Mitaka Dimov
Black kitchens are cool, but what if we layer in gray and add accents of gold? This stunning kitchen space uses gray flooring to add diversity to the otherwise black palette. The thick gold panel is one way that makes the space look incredibly high-end.
12. Add French Style to Black Kitchen Design
Visualizer:Aeroslon
Make your kitchen both modern and French with traditional black cabinetry. In this space, standing armoires act as sinks, and all other displayed items remain black. The stark white clock can surely act as the focal point of the space!
13. Consider Soft Elements
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Rough, light wood and low-hanging white lights set this kitchen interior a world apart. You can also notice a layer of light gray cabinetry, adding variation to the otherwise dark color palette. These elements factor in softness to the black kitchen design.
14. Let the Accessories Do the Talking
Photographer:Mikko Ryhänen
In this black-and-wood creation, the accessories take center stage in adorning the interior. We love the houseplant, but the crockery deserves a special mention for doubling as decor. The light oakwood backdrop further warms the space up.
15. Consider a Matte All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:HDR Designer
Neat square panels perfectly line up to emphasize the stark black minimalism that is at play here. We love how the cabinetry is matte black with no hardware, adding a sense of simplicity. The herb planters are a healthy green addition to bring the otherwise simple space.
16. Add Some Stencilling to Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Julia Sultanova
Fine lines and stencilling set this monochromatic space apart. Lined by black magnetic lights, black stencils and glossy white facades, it makes its mark on a light wooden floor.
17. Build a Shape Out of Black
Visualizer:Huso
18. Create a Modern Dark Kitchen with Gradients
Visualizer:Mario Nogueira
If you’re wondering how the intrigue in this space is working… It’s the gradients from black, to charcoal, to light grey. White surrounds in the walls and a monochromatic hanging light. This clever design technique makes sure the space is anything but boring, even if it’s using mere neutrals (minus the stunning orange dining chairs, of course).
19. Leverage Black Textures
Visualizer:Nefeli Kallianou
One instant way to add interest to a black kitchen is with textures, as seen in this metallic matte kitchen. This accounts for decorative presence in the light and bright space, providing character to an otherwise simple room.
20. Work on the Functionality of the Modern Dark Kitchen
Visualizer:İbrahim Ethem KISACIK
This dark modern kitchen makes sure it’s as functional as is stylish. The central island is paired with a black dining table, while all necessary appliances are fixed into the cabinetry. We also see pendant lights and lighting under the hood providing just the right illumination.
21. Create a Modern Classic All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:A&L Interior Design
Folks seeking an inviting all black kitchen can look towards this modern classic space. It merges contemporary elements (through sleek black cabinetry) with traditional ones (as seen in the wooden backsplash) to bring together the best of both worlds.
22. Put Essentials on Display in Your Modern Black Kitchen Interior
Visualizer:Polygon
Yet another kitchen that uses black and wooden elements to create a dark-themed interior. What sets this one apart is the hanging pans. They do offer easy access as the residents cook, but they also double as decor! (Note how the pans also use black and wooden elements to stay coherent with the theme).
23. Add the Industrial Style to the All Black Kitchen
Via:Emotion School
Industrial style lovers, rejoice! This is THE inspiration to set up your favorite interior design style, the dark way. This kitchen uses rustic wood and exposed elements for the ceiling to create an industrial black kitchen interior.
24. Make a Statement with Black Chunky Lamps
Via:HomePicture.in
All eyes on the two chunky lamps hanging in this monochromatic setting. They do add focus but also allow the contrasting white inset to shine. Not to forget the central island, providing plenty of storage space.
25. Make Room for Keepsakes
Visualizer:Maxim Goryachev
There’s nothing like personalizing your space to who YOU are. This kitchen serves the purpose by adding keepsakes and heirlooms. Also, black leaves room for details, so it’s one of the best colors to use if you’re hoping to display knick-knacks.
26. Use Black to Add Intimacy
Visualizer:Helen Bank
Who says dark colors make small spaces feel smaller? We only see black adding luxury to this compact space (with some credit to the white flooring adding brightness). This kitchen—with black marble backsplash—speaks opulence, and for all the right reasons!
27. Enhance Black Kitchen Design with Patterns
Visualizer:Ksenia Lenski
This black kitchen interior makes a design statement with the patterned marble island. Its sleek metallic legs lift it off the floor, creating an illusion of space. Simultaneously, the textured inset makes sure visual interest is added.
28. Don’t Forget a Black and White Rug
Visualizer:Nada Aboelrous
If you’re not in for a complete kitchen renovation, simply painting your cabinets black and adding a black-and-white patterned rug will achieve the purpose! We love how this kitchen keeps sets the base with white and tops it with black.
29. Let the Lighting Make a Statement in the All Black Kitchen
Architect:Artpartner Architects
When everything else is understated, letting the lighting create a statement is a good idea. This matte black kitchen interior uses rod lighting to do the talking. It sticks to the all black kitchen color scheme, though!
30. Tone it Down
Visualizer:Valeria Mosolova
This open floor plan uses dark gray throughout, showing us that black can work in more spaces than the kitchen 😉 It sure makes a design statement for those cooking and dining—or lounging!
31. Consider a Black and Wooden Bar
Visualizer:Amir Emami
This is the ultimate modern luxury black kitchen! After all, what’s better than displaying your favorite collection of beer right behind the black kitchen island? The low-hanging pendant lights also add to the black kitchen design.
32. Add the Gothic Vibe
Visualizer:Sebastian Lorio
This dark-gray kitchen is super simple with its sleek, hardware-less cabinetry. Well, except the far left end. Here, we see a statement piece of art and intriguing layered lighting created a focal point.
33. Stick to the Minimalist Style for Black Kitchens
Visualizer:Miguel A. Ramos
This compact kitchen space follows the simple rule: white walls paired with black cabinetry and an island. Even in this nook, the space is able to make a style statement while providing optimal functionality. The window here gives a contrasting element of light to the otherwise dark modern kitchen.
34. Layer Lighting in the All Black Kitchen
Visualizer:Tatiana Durnescu
We see shades of gray and black coming together to bring this modern dark kitchen to life. What we especially love is the multiple types of lighting, all layered together to bring visual interest to the space.
35. Set the Backdrop For Your Living Space
Visualizer:Sasha Zolotukhin
